Smith back in fast lane after injury

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Stage set for Canes to step up Canes scramble late win over Highlanders

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Hurricanes star Conrad Smith can finally forget about his troublesome groin.
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After three months of sleepless nights and half-pie training, the All Blacks centre opened up the throttle as he sprinted in for the match winner against the Highlanders on Friday night.

"I haven't really been running at full pace all year obviously coming back from the injury, so I was a bit worried," a beaming Smith said after his 79th-minute try got the Hurricanes home 22-17 at Westpac Stadium.

"Hosea [Gear] was jogging along beside me watching me run as fast as I can and thankfully I got to the line and got us a win."

Smith's try could be season- defining for the Hurricanes, but he deflected any praise for the match-winning play to halfback Piri Weepu.

"That was brilliant from Piri . . . I don't know how he got it in his hands [after he kicked through] and flicked it to me. I was more surprised than anyone."

Smith slotted seamlessly back into the Hurricanes' backline reforming his midfield combination with Ma'a Nonu after subbing on five minutes into halftime.

The Hurricanes' other late try-scorer, lock Jason Eaton, had to settle for reflected glory after scoring three minutes before Smith, Weepu's conversion levelling the scores at 17-all.

"Yeah, it sort of felt like we were in front after my try, but obviously not on the scoreboard," he laughed.

Eaton also admitted he was surprised Highlanders first-five Daniel Bowden had been awarded a try when the pair dived for the ball in the Hurricanes in- goal earlier in the match.

"I'll have to have another look at that try Bowden scored. I dunno, did it look a bit dodgy on the big screen? It'll still be a try in the paper on Saturday," he said.

- © Fairfax NZ News